THE LATEST INNOVATIONS FOR THE WORLD’S EMERGENCY SERVICES TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS AI-ASSISTED HELMETS

Researchers in Scotland have developed a helmet that uses arti cial intelligence to help re ghters nd and rescue people more quickly in challenging conditions.

A team from the newly-opened National Robotarium in Edinburgh designed the device using sensors, thermal cameras and radar technology, with operational tests carried out in collaboration with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service at their training facility in Newbridge, Edinburgh.

It is hoped the technology could support re ghters and scene commanders to safely navigate dangerous conditions such as smoke- lled areas, using realtime technology mounted on a 1kg device that ts on standard re ghting helmets.

Dr Chris Lu, Lecturer in Cyber-Physical Systems in the School of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh, who is leading the project, said: “Fire ghters o en operate in environments with very low or no visibility due to the vast amount of smoke released from a re. is can make detecting the location of potential victims and the whereabouts of re ghters very challenging in situations that are o en extremely time-sensitive. is new technology has the potential to support on-theground re ghters and scene commanders to make crucial in-the-moment decisions that can enhance search rescue e ciency, ensure safer collaboration between teammates and, most importantly, improve outcomes for potential victims of re scenes.”